German DZ Bank Obtains MiCAR License for Crypto Trading and Joins Qivalis Stablecoin Initiative

DZ Bank, Germany's second-largest lender, has received MiCAR authorization from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to launch its crypto trading platform, “meinKrypto.” This platform will allow retail customers access to various cryptocurrencies. Additionally, DZ Bank has joined the Qivalis consortium to develop a regulated euro stablecoin.

Key Takeaways

DZ Bank has been approved to launch the “meinKrypto” crypto trading platform.
The platform will provide retail customers access to cryptocurrency trading.
Cooperative banks in Germany are expected to follow suit by submitting their own MiCAR notifications.
The initial cryptocurrencies available on meinKrypto will include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Cardano (ADA).
DZ Bank has joined the Qivalis stablecoin consortium to create a regulated euro stablecoin.

German DZ Bank crypto trading

DZ Bank Launches Crypto Trading Platform

Last month, the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) granted MiCAR authorization to DZ Bank, the second-largest bank in Germany. With this approval, DZ Bank is set to launch its new crypto trading platform called “meinKrypto.”

This platform, which received approval in late December, enables primary institutions to provide retail customers with access to cryptocurrency trading.

Cooperative banks, including Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, now need to submit their own MiCAR notifications for “meinKrypto” to BaFin, according to an official statement.

Upon approval and integration with the VR banking app, meinKrypto will serve as a wallet for self-directed investors. At its launch, the platform will support the trading of major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Cardano (ADA).

Each cooperative bank will later decide independently if they want to implement the crypto trading service.

German Cooperative Banks Eye Cryptocurrency Services

In September 2025, a survey conducted by the German Cooperative Banking Association revealed that co-op banks in the country are considering the introduction of cryptocurrency services, including Bitcoin and Ether trading.

The survey indicated that 71% of Germany's 670 Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken are exploring opportunities in crypto, an increase from 54% the previous year.

Moreover, about one-third of the banks interested in crypto aim to roll out their services within the next five months.

The meinKrypto platform was developed by Atruvia, the IT service provider for the cooperative financial sector, in collaboration with DZ Bank. Additionally, the Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital will manage the custody of the crypto assets.

DZ Bank Joins Qivalis for Euro Stablecoin Initiative

In a separate announcement, DZ Bank, the central institution for Germany's cooperative banking sector, stated that it has joined the European banking consortium Qivalis to work on a regulated euro stablecoin.

The consortium, made up of 11 banks, plans to introduce this euro stablecoin next year through a newly established Dutch entity named Qivalis.

“We are excited to welcome DZ BANK as the eleventh member of the consortium,” said Jan-Oliver Sell, CEO of Qivalis. Their membership reinforces our collective commitment to creating a strong, MiCAR-compliant euro stablecoin framework for businesses and consumers across Europe.”

Currently, Qivalis is seeking approval from the German National Bank (DNB) to establish itself as an e-money institution, with an aim for market entry in the second half of 2026.